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comes from building it,” he said, looking back at Cheryl before his eyes roamed around the room to touch each of them. “From the beginning, I worked with a green architect who listed the alternatives for me, starting with something as simple as the size of my home and where it sits on the property to take advantage of the sun and wind to its best advantage.” His eyes traveled over Katrina; did his mouth twitch a little before he continued?
    “Building green can be expensive at the front end, so my first decisions were also based on affordability,” he said.
    Katrina was tuned in, like every other woman at the table, watching him, letting his deep voice wash over her. His hands were on the table, moving independently of him, long, slim, masculine hands drumming some internal tune on the table while he talked. She loved those hands, remembering the feel of them on her body the other night.
    It was quiet in the room now. He’d answered the question and sat waiting for the next one, pulling her attention back from its wanderings.
    “We can take one more question,” John said. “We still have a board meeting scheduled tonight. I promise to invite Will back some other time,” he said.
    Mr. Sanchez lifted his hand. “Do any of these green things we do make any real difference? Aren’t they just small potatoes, this use of green light bulbs, hybrid and electric cars? Aren’t they too small to have any impact, at least not in any meaningful way?” he asked.
    “Good question,” Will said, looking directly at Mr. Sanchez. “I don’t think we should abandon our individual efforts to live greener. But, yes, I do see your point and agree individual efforts are not enough. It is equally, if not more, important that we push our legislators both on a national and international level for a carbon-cap bill. We must also seek alternative energy sources that don’t pollute our skies. So, yes, we need larger-scale actions to get this problem under control. I would also encourage you to continue in your individual efforts to make a difference. Thank you for your questions and your kind reception.”
    “No, thank you, Will. I wish we had time to take a few more,” John said, standing up and clapping Will on the back before looking around the room. “Why don’t we take a minute to stretch our legs? Will is available for a few minutes to talk, or, for those of you with additional questions, he has made his e-mail address available for further communication. Let’s be back to start our board meeting in ten,” he said.
    The board members applauded and some stood and walked around the table to Will. Sonja hit Katrina in the side with her elbow, leaning over to whisper into her ear.
    “You think he’d be interested in helping me make my home greener?” she said with a shark-like smile on her face. She stood and walked toward Will while Katrina continued replaying Will’s words in her mind. She appreciated his passion for the environment, and not just because she agreed with him. She appreciated passion; his passion in particular was always welcome. But not today. Today she hoped he’d leave without saying anything to her. Maybe now was the perfect time for a bathroom break, before the meeting started, before he saw her. And not those bathrooms located just outside the hall, either. She would head toward the ones located in the back of the building. Great idea. Those were so much cleaner, she thought. You’re such a coward, her inner voice taunted. It loved to chide. Okay, so she didn’t want to face him after her failed attempt at seduction. Her confidence had been bruised, and more than just a little; it was a normal reaction, not cowardly at all. She walked out, eyes averted, hoping he hadn’t seen her.
    Will finished talking with Sonja, noting Katrina’s exit from the room. He’d recognized her. It was easy now that he knew what to look for. She was back in her normal, nondescript clothing, glasses covering her